Adoption of Traditional Agroforestry Systems and its SocioEconomic Contributions to Farmers in three Districts of Arunachal Pradesh (India), Lying Along Three Altitudinal Gradients

Abstract

Arunachal Pradesh, India, has a strong tradition of practicing agroforestry. A comprehensive socio-economic survey was carried out across three elevation ranges: 100 – 700 m above mean sea level (amsl) (Elevation I), 700-1400 m amsl (Elevation II), and 1400-2000 m amsl (Elevation III), located in three different districts of the state: Papum Pare, Lower Subansiri, and Kra Daadi. The households typically consumed seasonal vegetable and grain crops, selling any surplus. The fruit trees, firewood, timber, and other economically important trees were typically interplanted with vegetables and crop plants in a specific area of land. In Elevation I, a farming household earned an average gross income of at least Rs. 85,884 ha -1 Yr -1, followed by Rs. 1,29,512 ha -1 Yr -1 in Elevation III and Rs. 1,54,505 ha -1 Yr -1 in Elevation II. The net returns per household varied from at least Rs. 51,689 ha -1 Yr -1 in Elevation I to Rs. 1,13,954 ha -1 Yr -1 in Elevation III and Rs. 1,15,865 ha -1 Yr -1 in Elevation II. The research also found that raising livestock in traditional agroforestry systems can yield a substantial annual income of 1 lakh rupees or more, contributing significantly to the overall income. The study's findings indicate that traditional agroforestry plays a crucial role in improving the socio-economic status of local farmers. Furthermore, agroforestry offers opportunities for local communities, particularly women and young people.